Jones in line for promotion to the under 21's

Phil Jones is in line for a promotion to the England under 21 squad after a stint in the under 19's.

A story surfaced yesterday that Jones was withdrawn from the U-19 squad as Rovers felt it would hamper his preparation for the new season but that has not proved to be the full story.

Another club vs country feud was simmering after the news Jones would not be involved in the national set up between Rovers and England but the real news is that Stuart Pearce has already identified Jones as a man too good for the under 19 bunch and wants him in the under 21's instead.

Rovers had told the FA that Jones would be unavailable as they see young Phil as a big player for next term as he tries to continue his skyscraper ascent to the top of the game.

Rovers want him to undergo a full pre-season with his home town club to give him the best available chance to have a great second season.

But it seems another tedious back and forth between club and country has been avoided as young master Jones was too good anyway.

It's early days yet but his performances last season were probably the best I have seen from a newcomer to the first-team squad. If he keeps his head straight and works hard he could be a star in a young England team in Brazil in 2014 when he will be the ripe old age of 22!